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Comparison of Different Predoctoral Educational Modalities on Knowledge Levels in Temporomandibular Disorders: A
Danica Tuason1, Caroline Sawicki2, James Fricton3
1College of Dental Medicine - Illinois, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, USA.
Journal of Dental Education
|August 9, 2025
Summary
US dental students show limited knowledge of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Multimodal education and clinical exposure significantly improve TMD understanding, highlighting the need for integrated curricula to enhance student preparedness in orofacial pain management.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Orofacial Pain Management
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Background:
- The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) mandates temporomandibular disorders (TMD) education in US predoctoral dental programs.
- Current curricula's effectiveness in enhancing student knowledge of TMD pathology and management remains unevaluated.
- Assessing TMD knowledge and the impact of educational strategies is crucial for improving orofacial pain education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current level of TMD knowledge among US predoctoral dental students.
- To examine the impact of various educational modalities on students' TMD knowledge scores.
- To identify specific educational approaches that predict sufficient knowledge in TMD.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous 61-item REDCap survey was administered to students in CODA-accredited dental programs.
- The survey assessed TMD knowledge (pathophysiology, chronic pain, psychophysiology, psychiatric disorders), teaching modality exposure, confidence, and demographics.
- Statistical analyses (ANOVA, t-tests, logistic regression) compared scores against experts and evaluated educational impacts.
Main Results:
- Respondents demonstrated low TMD knowledge (38.6% correct answers), significantly lower than TMD experts.
- Knowledge scores significantly improved with academic progression and were higher with multimodal instruction and prior patient exposure.
- Combining didactic teaching with clinical exposure (patient or hands-on) significantly predicted sufficient TMD knowledge.
Conclusions:
- US dental students generally possess limited knowledge of TMD pathology and management.
- Academic progression, multimodal instruction, and clinical patient exposure are key factors in improving TMD knowledge.
- Integrating clinical exposure into traditional didactic instruction is recommended to enhance dental students' understanding of TMD.
